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Press Release: First 10 Forward Awards 2025 Annual Grant to Missouri Women in Trades

First 10 Forward Awards 2025 Annual Grant to Missouri Women in Trades

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kings Point, NY – October 30, 2025 – First 10 Forward (F10F) proudly announces Missouri Women in Trades (MOWIT) as the 2025 recipient of its Annual Grant, valued at $27,500. The award was selected following presentations and voting by members at F10F’s Annual Meeting, recognizing MOWIT’s exceptional leadership in advancing opportunities for women entering and succeeding in the construction and building trades across the greater St. Louis area.

“This grant embodies the spirit and purpose of our organization: Women supporting women to be all they can be,” said Karen Kukurugya Davis, Managing Director, OCIMF and President, First10Forward. “Missouri Women in Trades is transforming lives by giving women the confidence, skills, and community to thrive in workplaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented. We’re honored to support their work.”

“This grant will help us continue building pathways for women to enter and succeed in construction careers,” said Beth Barton, Co-Founder of MOWIT. “We’re deeply grateful to First 10 Forward for believing in our mission and investing in our future.”

About the Recipient

Founded in 2008, Missouri Women in Trades (MOWIT) is a St. Louis–based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for women to enter and thrive in apprenticeships and careers in the construction building trades. MOWIT partners with employers, unions, educational organizations, and community allies to promote women’s economic security, equal employment opportunity, and inclusive working conditions.

Through mentorship, advocacy, and hands-on training, MOWIT builds a stronger, more diverse workforce while empowering women to achieve long-term career success.

MOWIT’s Impact

MOWIT supports women at every stage of their trades journey through programs such as:

  • Recruitment & Outreach: Annual Women’s Construction Career Expo, Women in Construction Week events, and school-aged initiatives like Girl Scout Badge Workshops.

  • Job Placement & Retention: Partnering with contractors and trade organizations to connect women to regional opportunities through an Outreach Coordinator, and Annual Tradeswoman Summit.

  • Ongoing Support: Monthly Meet-Ups for mentorship, Survival Skills training for apprentices, and community Workdays that build both skills and solidarity.

About First10Forward

First 10 Forward (F10F) is a New Jersey-based nonprofit founded by women graduates of the first ten co-ed classes of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The organization raises funds through annual membership fees of the growing number of eligible women graduates and from the generous donations from supporters who share its commitment.

Each year, F10F members nominate and consider charitable organizations from a variety of communities with missions that align with their own; supporting women and girls pursuing non-traditional careers. Members vote to select one organization to receive the Annual Grant at their Annual Membership Meeting.

Looking Forward

The $27,500 Annual Grant will support MOWIT’s continued efforts to break down barriers and create pathways for women in the trades.

For more information about First10Forward, visit first10forward.org or contact hello@first10forward.org.

For more information about Missouri Women in Trades, visit https://www.mowit.org/.